Recognition and Rewards for Innovative Businesses in the Repurposing Economy by Santander X
In a groundbreaking event held on June 25, 2025, in Barcelona, the Santander X Global Challenge awarded six trailblazing companies for their digital solutions promoting the circular economy. The competition, which attracted over 500 startups and scaleups from 11 countries, offered a total of €120,000 in prize money, international visibility, and access to the Santander X 100 global community [1][3].
The winners, hailing from the UK and Germany, were selected for their disruptive digital solutions that demonstrate transformative potential in waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. The core pillars of the circular economy, which aim to mitigate climate change impacts, were at the heart of this competition [1][3].
Metalchemy (UK), PulpaTronics (UK), and Radical Dot GmbH (Germany) were the three British and German companies that triumphed in the challenge. While the specifics of their innovative solutions were not fully disclosed, they were recognised for their transformative potential in advancing the circular economy [1][3].
Metalchemy focuses on innovative solutions within the circular economy, while PulpaTronics specialises in creating smart, chipless tags made of paper and utilising RFID technology to track products without generating electronic waste. Radical Dot GmbH converts mixed plastic waste into high-quality chemical precursors, reducing fossil fuel use and emissions [1][3].
Santander, a bank committed to diversity & inclusion and responsible banking, also supports various programmes that reflect these values. One such initiative is the 16th Euros from your salary contest, which aims to assist those most in need [2].
The Santander X Global Challenge is not limited to the circular economy, as it also hosts multiple innovation-focused challenges. The Santander X website provides more information on the challenges, entrepreneurship, and their network, The Embrace Network [1][3].
The event was not only a celebration of innovation but also a testament to the role of entrepreneurship in the transition to a circular economy. Leading figures in entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation from Santander, Norrsken, and Oxentia attended the event, emphasising the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable change [1][3].
Sources: [1] Santander X Global Challenge website [2] Santander website [3] News release from the Santander X Global Challenge event
- The disruptive digital solutions of Metalchemy, PulpaTronics, and Radical Dot GmbH, winners of the Santander X Global Challenge, demonstrate transformative potential in environmental-science, specifically in waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, with the aim to mitigate climate-change impacts.
- The Santander X Global Challenge, which offers finance, international visibility, and access to the Santander X 100 global community, is not limited to the circular economy, but also hosts multiple innovation-focused challenges, reflecting their commitment to entrepreneurship and technology.
- While the specifics of Metalchemy, PulpaTronics, and Radical Dot GmbH's innovative solutions were not fully disclosed, they were recognised for their potential in business, as they advance the circular economy, a key area where technology can play a significant role in addressing climate-change issues.
